Economy smomony! Go for it Astros!

I dawned on me over the weekend. If the Astros were ever going to make a run for it, now is the time.

Yes, we all know the status of the economy. And it’s old news that the Astros have lost loads of sponsor dollars. Of course, owners and GMs are gravely concerned that fans won’t be able to afford tickets, merchandise and concessions in 2009. Buy it or not, they’re all legitimate concerns.

But, Drayton McLane and Ed Wade believe this team could be — could be — competitive and on the brink of some big things. If that’s the case, has there been a better time to go for broke (pardon the pun)?

Let’s get one thing straight: This is not an entry to slam McLane or his management. This is not some cheesy piece to call out the Astros’ owner for not spending enough money. He spends plenty. Whatever you may say, he’s brought competitive baseball to Houston for the better part of two decades. Houston never had it so good until The Grocer came to town.

But if we’re to believe all the news accounts of disappearing dollars for the remaining free agents, could the Astros take a shot at one or two who could make a dramatic difference in the NL Central race? Today’s $5 million is yesterday’s $10-$12 million. But it’s also true that today’s one-year deal is yesterday’s three-to-four year contract.

For example, take Bobby Abreu. Here’s a .300 career hitter with six straight seasons with 100 or more RBI. He earned $16 million last year, but will likely have to settle for a one-year deal between $5 and $7 million.

Is an outfield with Lee, Pence and Abreu an improvement for Houston? Does it move the Astros up the NL Central ladder? You bet. It changes the entire outlook.

Many of the other major free agents like Randy Wolf, Ben Sheets, Joe Crede or Andruw Jones might have an impact, but they all come with baggage.

But if the Astros truly believe they’re close, there may be no better opportunity for a small gamble. Any of the players above — plus a number of others — likely could be signed to a one-year deal, thereby eliminating the long-term risk.

Worried about Wolf’s shoulder? Now it’s just a one-year risk. Those medical records of Sheets still a concern? Okay, you’re on the hook for one year. Just a few months ago, Wolf was headed for 3 years, $30 million and Sheets was asking for even more.

Now? Wolf at $5 million and an option and Sheets at one year, $5 million with a vesting option for a second year looks pretty tempting doesn’t it?

Yeah, I know the Astros are done shopping. And it’s all a pipe dream. Still, this could be the time to take a chance.

Anyone seen Wiggy?

    

 Which addition would have the biggest impact for the Astros?

Abreu.

Wolf.

Sheets.

Wigginton.

Ivan Rodriguez.

 What are the odds the Astros will pull off a Spring Training Surprise and sign one of the remaining free agents?

 Would one of the above players make the Astros an instant contender?

 McLane makes you GM and gives you an extra $10 million to spend the rest of 2009. Do you spend it now or do you wait until mid-season when there may be better options?